Page 65 of Blurry Little Lines
“Mallory, Benson isn’t this baby’s father.” I leave my mouth open as if words will form magically.
“I moved in because I love spending time with you and James. Also, I will not be the type of father who walks out on their child no matter what life offers me.” He looks her straight in the eye. “Ever. Becoming a parent is a gift.”
Mallory hops off the tabletop facing Max and I as she pieces the information together. “You two can’t be more than best friends.” Panic paints her tiny face. “Mom is cursed and you two won’t last.”
“Cursed?”What the hell?
“Your friend lied, Mallory.” Max speaks up, clearly knowing more about my daughter than I do. “Everyone is meant to be loved. Some people have their own issues that prevent them from giving their heart to others, but that is never your problem. It’s their problem. Everyone is worthy of feeling wanted and loved, Mallory.”
“But if one of you changes your mind, then I may never see you again.” Her voice rises with anxiety and her bottom lip pokes out.
“I promise I will not mess this up. I’m a man of my word, remember?” Max gives her a hug, and it takes me a moment to wrap my head around their bond before I realize I need to go hug my daughter. Mallory wraps her arms around me and pulls her head back to stare at my bump.
“Is my new sibling a boy or girl?” She smiles, and her large brown eyes twinkle.
Well, that was fast.
I swallow as my throat tightens. I want to feel her joy, but knowing I’m letting my job down and how irresponsible I was to create this thing still eats away at me. I push forward a smile and shrug. “We don’t know yet, honey.”
“I think you can help me with something, Mallory.” Max smiles down at her as her face glows.
Whatever he has planned, I’m not sure I’m ready to face.
“This is crazy, Max.” I stand in front of a hot-air balloon in Napa Valley.
“I know how much you love watching them, so I thought we could fly over the vineyards and enjoy the view.”
“There is no way you’re actually getting in one of these.” I see how serious he is and wonder what caused his insanity. “You hate heights as much as Adam hates bees.” My brother is a fearful baby during the summer.
“My fear is worth facing for you to enjoy yourself.” He offers his hand, and I let him lead me to a balloon basket.
Well, isn’t that romance to the bones. I take his hand with a small smile, and we begin our flight journey. It’s a comfortable silence as his hand holds mine a little tighter than normal. He’s not right by the edge overlooking the rows of lush grape vines on rolling hills, but he’s by my side, proving the length he will go for me. The voice in my head whispers a warning to not get too comfortable. My heart, on the other hand, is melting into a puddle from his gesture.
Movement inside my stomach reminds me I’m going to need to take time off work soon. The last thing I want is for Katherine to take over again. I don’t need another mess up of her shitty marketing idea and my father taking her word that it’s good. My brother doesn’t need the pressure to oversee her like he ended up doing months ago. I wonder how much of a say Adam and I can pull to fire her ass.
“Hey.” Max pulls me out of thought. “You look beautiful.” He steps into me and rests a brave hand on the basket.
“Thanks. You picked a beautiful day for this ride.” I give him a side-eye and feel my lips tug into a sly smirk. “And, aright moment.” I send an implication his way because, knowing Max, he tries to silently stay one step ahead.
“Timing is everything.” He smirks, and after a lifetime of friendship, I know his plan for this balloon trip.
“You brought the envelope, didn’t you?” Excitement and nerves of nausea float through me.
“I know you’re worried knowing the baby’s sex will make things even more realistic, but this is real. I’ll be by your side every step of the way, Kelsie.”
“You wantmeto check the envelope,” I state, slightly curious as well. I’m notthatvoid of emotions, even though I’m scared I’ll end up alone again.
“I gave it to Lauren.” Max checks his watch for the hundredth time on this flight. “Do you want to take a leap of faith and face a fear too?”
“Max, I know you’re not scared to find out.” I giggle and take his hand.
“No, but my next move will scare the hell out of me.” He turns to the opposite side of the basket and closes his eyes to lean over the edge.
“Max, what the hell. You don’t have to look down.” I place my hand on his back and peer over the edge. Air leaves my lungs. “Oh, my goodness.” Max’s eyes open as a smile spreads across his entire face.
I stand mesmerized at the clouds of smoky dust rising from below and hundreds, maybe thousands of pink balloons filling the sky.
“We… we’re having a girl?” Adrenaline takes over as my hands shake.